Ba Na Hills Tour in 2025

The first time you zoom up to Ba Na Hills on the cable car, you feel like you’re flying above the clouds. Rising 1,500 meters above sea level, Vietnam’s Ba Na Hills resort is a quirky mix of fairytale castles, French village streets, and Asia’s longest cable car ride.

The highlight? A 150-meter-long Golden Bridge held aloft by two giant stone hands. It feels as part whimsical theme park, part colonial dreamscape. Below, lush valleys stretch under swirling mist which I assume you would have already seen in tons of tiktok and insta reels but its still worth it!

How to Get There

Ba Na Hills is just 30 km southwest of Da Nang City (about a 40-minute drive). Options include:

Private Car or Taxi: Many visitors hire a car or take a Grab (ride-hail) from Da Nang. The highway to Hoa Ninh village (the resort’s base) is smooth, with clear signage near the main gate. A one-way taxi ride runs ~300-400k VND.

Tour Shuttle: Several tour operators and hotels in Da Nang/Hoi An offer shared shuttle buses (about 150k-200k VND roundtrip). They usually depart early (around 8am) to avoid traffic and take you directly to the cable car station.

Self-Drive: If you rent a motorbike or car, allow at least an hour for the winding uphill route. Parking at the base is free. Note that you’ll need to buy or scan your Ba Na Hills cable car ticket before boarding.

Once at the base, queue at the cable car stations. Ba Na’s cable car system holds Guinness World Records for its length and speed. The ride to the summit takes about 15 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the countryside as you ascend.

Top Highlights & Hidden Gems

No two days here are the same. Must-see attractions include:

Golden Bridge & Gardens: The cable car lands near the famous Golden Bridge, a 150m walkway cradled by two giant hands. Visit in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds (it can get very busy midday). Surrounding the bridge are Le Jardin d’Amour, nine themed gardens. Don’t miss the Love Garden (with heart-shaped floral art) and the Mythical Garden (columns and gateways inspired by Greek legends).

The Golden Bridge alone makes your day trip to Ba Na Hills worth it.

French Village & Fantasy Park: At the mountaintop, cobbled streets and a Gothic cathedral recreate a European town. Explore bakeries and shops selling baguettes, croissants, and coffee. Families will love Fantasy Park - an indoor theme park with rides like the alpine coaster and classic arcades. The indoor drop tower (“Madame Butterfly”) and 3D cinema are big hits.

(Tip: Book any ride tickets via QR code on your cable pass to skip separate lines.)

Linh Ung Pagoda (27m Buddha): A short walk from the Golden Bridge area brings you to this hilltop pagoda. The towering white Buddha statue gazes serenely at the landscape. It’s a popular spot for photos and quiet reflection, and there’s often incense lit by local worshippers.

Debay Wine Cellar: An underground cellar built by the French in 1923. Even if you don’t drink, it’s fun to wander the stone tunnels. There’s a well-curated history display about French colonial-era wines. Outside, a charming cafe serves Vietnamese coffee and snacks in a rustic courtyard.

Alpine Coaster & Zipline: Seek out the mountain coaster near the French Village - a gravity-driven rollercoaster ride through tunnels and forest (about 200k VND for 2 rides). For thrill-seekers, there’s also a zipline experience above the mountain (adds an adrenaline dash to your visit). These are lesser-known if you don’t ask, so look for signs “Fantasy Park” and “Outdoor Rides.”

Hidden Viewpoints: If the clouds clear, the resort transforms into a “sea of clouds” panorama. Ask staff for quieter lookout spots - one good view is near the cable car station at the top level. The resort is known for sudden weather changes: you might see rain on one side of the hill and sun on the other!

Practical Info

Opening Hours & Tickets: Ba Na Hills is open 8:00am-10:00pm daily. A cable-car-inclusive ticket (with access to the Golden Bridge, gardens, French Village, and most attractions) is about 1,100,000-1,410,000 VND for adults (roughly $45-55 USD). Child and elderly discounts apply. Buffet lunch combos cost more.

Buying Tickets: Strongly book online or through an agency in advance. On-site ticket lines can be very long. Your e-ticket is usually scanned at an entrance turnstile. Several travel websites offer instant ticket printing, or your hotel can help purchase. If you buy on-site, be prepared to wait, especially on weekends.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8-9am) is ideal to beat the cable-car queue. Ba Na often sits above the clouds, so mid-morning can turn foggy - great for mystical photos but not for views. The resort is open year-round, but the cooler dry season (November-March) typically has the clearest weather. Be cautious of Vietnamese public holidays (Tet, April 30, National Day Sept 2) when locals swarm the hill.

Nearby Amenities: The resort has many restaurants (from local noodles to Western fare), coffee shops, and snack stalls. Bottled water is available, but you can refill at drinking fountains. Restrooms are clean and plentiful. There’s limited Wi-Fi (expect better signal at cafes than on the open grounds). ATMs and shops selling souvenirs are located on each level.

Ba Na hills Itinerary

Here’s a rough 8-9 hour plan for a day trip:

8:00am: Arrive, collect tickets, and take the cable car up to the middle level (Marseille Station).

8:15am - 9:30am: Golden Bridge & Gardens. Head straight to the Golden Bridge for sunrise photos. Then wander the adjacent Jardin d’Amour gardens (Love Garden and Fountain Garden are highlights).

9:30am - 10:30am: Walk or take the escalator up to Linh Ung Pagoda. Visit the 27m Buddha and enjoy the mountain-view balconies.

10:30am - 12:00pm: Cable car to the top level (Morin/Louvre Station). Explore the French Village: buy pastries or beer at the Mercure hotel, and stroll its European streets.

12:00pm - 1:00pm: Lunch in the French Village (buffet restaurants or bakery).

1:00pm - 3:00pm: Fantasy Park. Spend an afternoon indoors playing games, riding the alpine coaster, or braving the drop tower. (Keep an eye on children with the height-restricted rides.)

3:00pm - 4:30pm: Cable car down to the Debay area. Tour the Debay Wine Cellar and relax at the French-styled cafe. If time allows, do the Alpine Coaster here (tickets sold on-site).

4:30pm: Take the cable car back down to the base. Stop by the shops at the main entrance for souvenirs or a final snack. Head home or back to Da Nang.

(If staying overnight, watch the sunset from the hilltop and visit the lit-up French Village in the evening.)

Safety & Local Etiquette

Weather: It’s often 5-10°C cooler on the hill than in Da Nang. Bring a light jacket or sweater even if you visit in summer - the mist and rain can bite. Ba Na weather changes quickly: a sunny morning might cloud over by noon. Always pack a small umbrella or poncho.

Dress Code: No strict rules here, but most visitors wear comfortable walking shoes. Many Vietnamese tourists come dressed elegantly even in the park (it’s a popular photo spot), but casual attire is fine. If you plan to enter pagoda areas, dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees).

Respect: Remember to remove shoes when entering any temple buildings. Keep voices low near statues or people praying. Don’t pick flowers or climb on structures just for photos. There are bins everywhere - use them to keep the park litter-free.

Health & Safety: Children must be accompanied on all attractions. The cable cars have bench seating for 4; advise kids not to stand up. The Alpine Coaster has a simple lap-bar; lean back and hold on. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is wise, especially on sunnier afternoons. First aid points exist near the main stations if needed.

FAQs

Q. Is Ba Na Hills worth visiting?

Yes, for most travelers it’s a highlight of Da Nang. The cable car is an experience in itself, and the surreal scenery (golden hands, European architecture) is unlike anywhere else. Plan well: skip large tour groups by going early, and you’ll likely love it.

Q. Can I bring my pet?

No. Pets are not allowed on the cable cars or within Ba Na Hills park. The park is strict about this, so leave furry friends at home.

Q. What’s the best time of year?

November-March is cool and less rainy, making for clearer views. Others recommend March-April for flowers (but it can start warming up). Avoid the peak summer holidays (June-August) when local crowds can be overwhelming. Weekdays and mornings are quieter.

Q. Is there a dress code?

No special dress code, but wear comfortable footwear and layer up. Many Vietnamese wear dresses or slacks even on Ba Na, but shorts and tees are totally fine. If you plan to enter the French Cathedral, be respectful (keep shoulders covered).

Q. Can I buy tickets on-site?

Technically yes, but the ticket lines can be very long. It’s much easier to book online or via your hotel. E-tickets let you skip the first queue and head straight to the cable car. If you do buy on-site, arrive right at 8am to minimize waiting.

Q. Any height or age restrictions?

No strict limits for entry. Ticket prices just vary by height (children under 1m often free). The cable car can carry all ages. Some attractions (like the alpine coaster or some Fantasy Park rides) have height minimums - there are signs at each ride. Infants and small toddlers ride free or in laps; just ask staff for any free passes.